SOFIA, Bulgaria – A vocal critic of the current state of affairs at CSKA Sofia, one of Bulgaria’s most storied football clubs, has delivered a scathing assessment of three players he believes are detrimental to the team’s success. Zдравко Желязков, a Bulgarian music legend best known as part of the duo “Riton,” publicly questioned the contributions of Lombard Delova, Leandro Godoy and Fedor Lapokhov following CSKA’s recent defeat to Ludogorets.
Желязков, a lifelong CSKA supporter, didn’t mince words in his critique, speaking to “Match Telegraph” about his disappointment with the team’s performance. His comments reflect a growing frustration among the club’s fanbase as CSKA struggles to consistently compete at the highest level of Bulgarian football. The club, which boasts a rich history and passionate following, currently sits behind Ludogorets in the First Professional Football League standings, according to current league tables available on Flashscore.
A Fan’s Frustration Boils Over
Желязков’s criticism centers on what he perceives as a lack of quality and mental fortitude within the squad. He specifically singled out Delova, stating that the player “doesn’t belong at CSKA” and suggesting that attempts to retain him are misguided. He described Delova as “psychologically unstable” and prone to making risky decisions, qualities he believes are unacceptable for a player representing such a prestigious club. The musician’s comments highlight a deeper concern about the club’s recruitment strategy and the impact of underperforming players on team morale.
His assessment extended to Godoy and Lapokhov, both of whom he labeled as “transfer mistakes.” Желязков argued that Godoy is far from the level expected of a CSKA player, while Lapokhov has similarly failed to make a significant impact. This critique underscores a pattern of perceived missteps in the club’s player acquisitions, fueling fan discontent and raising questions about the effectiveness of the scouting and recruitment process.
Recent Losses Fuel the Debate
The timing of Желязков’s remarks is particularly pointed, coming after CSKA’s 2-0 loss to Ludogorets. This defeat followed a previous setback against Septemvri Sofia, a team currently battling relegation, further intensifying the criticism. Желязков expressed his dismay at these results, stating that CSKA is being “beaten like a drum” by teams they should be overcoming. He even suggested that the players deserved significant fines for their lackluster performance, emphasizing the need for accountability within the squad.
The recent form of CSKA has indeed been inconsistent. As reported by Novsport, Желязков also criticized the form of other players, specifically mentioning Pitas as not being in top condition.
Calls for Stability and a Rejection of Short-Term Fixes
Despite the widespread dissatisfaction, Желязков cautioned against a hasty change in management. He believes that dismissing current head coach Христо Янев would be “another huge mistake,” arguing that it would likely lead to the appointment of another foreign coach with questionable credentials. He pointed to a history of unsuccessful foreign appointments at CSKA, suggesting that a local coach understands the club’s culture and expectations better.
Желязков’s comments reflect a broader sentiment among some fans who favor a more stable and long-term approach to building the team. He criticized those who advocate for bringing in coaches like Томаш, suggesting that such recommendations are indicative of the problems plaguing Bulgarian football. He emphasized the importance of having qualified and knowledgeable specialists involved in the game, rather than relying on superficial assessments.
Fan Disillusionment and a Plea for Change
The musician acknowledged the growing disillusionment among CSKA fans, stating that “people are hurting” over the current state of the club. He believes that the team’s struggles are deeply affecting the fanbase, who are passionate about the club’s success. Желязков’s remarks serve as a powerful expression of the frustration and disappointment felt by many CSKA supporters, who are yearning for a return to the glory days of the past.
The official CSKA Sofia Facebook page, CSKASofiaOfficial, continues to post updates and engage with fans, but the underlying tension remains palpable. The club faces a critical period as it seeks to address the concerns raised by Желязков and other supporters, and to restore its competitive edge in Bulgarian football.
CSKA Sofia is scheduled to face Pirin Blagoevgrad on May 13th, offering the team an immediate opportunity to respond to recent criticism and demonstrate improvement. The match will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike, as the club strives to regain its footing and compete for the league title. Further updates on the team’s performance and potential roster changes will be available on the club’s official website and through Bulgarian sports news outlets.
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